9.03.2007

Language Proficiency Interview

The levels of language proficiency, as specified by Peace Corps, are as follows:Novice-LowNovice-MidNovice-HighIntermediate-LowIntermediate-MidIntermediate-HighAdvanced-LowAdvanced-MidAdvanced-HighSuperior

I received an email regarding my language proficiency after Peace Corps evaluated a tape-recorded interview of my speaking and listening skills. I have reached Intermediate-Mid, which is defined below.

INTERMEDIATE MID

Speakers at the Intermediate-Mid level are able to handle successfully a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks in straightforward social situations. Conversation is generally limited to those predictable and concrete exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture; these include personal information covering self, family, home, daily activities, interests and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel and lodging.

Intermediate-Mid speakers tend to function reactively, for example, by responding to direct questions or requests for information. However, they are capable of asking a variety of questions when necessary to obtain simple information to satisfy basic needs, such as directions, prices and services. When called on to perform functions or handle topics at the Advanced level, they provide some information but have difficulty linking ideas, manipulating time and aspect, and using communicative strategies, such as circumlocution.

Intermediate-Mid speakers are able to express personal meaning by creating with the language, in part by combining and recombining known elements and conversational input to make utterances of sentence length and some strings of sentences. Their speech may contain pauses, reformulations and self-corrections as they search for adequate vocabulary and appropriate language forms to express themselves. Because of inaccuracies in their vocabulary and/or pronunciation and/or grammar and syntax, misunderstandings can occur, but Intermediate-Mid speakers are generally understood by sympathetic interlocutors accustomed to dealing with non-natives.

I always knew I had some difficulty manipulating time and aspect. Oh well. We'll see next summer...!

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The views and opinions expressed on this site are my own, and do not represent the goals or intents of the US government, the Chinese government, or the Peace Corps. I alone am responsible for the content of this blog.